How UK Muslims Are Supporting Refugees Through Zakat—A Lifeline for Millions in Need

– New report reveals Zakat directly supported more than 474,000 refugees in 2024

– UK for UNHCR launches Ramadan appeal to help refugees amidst global funding uncertainty

London, 5 March 2025 – Earlier this week, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, released its latest annual Islamic Philanthropy Report, revealing the growing role of Zakat and Sadaqah in supporting refugees and displaced families. In 2024 alone, Zakat contributions helped more than 474,000 refugees and displaced people across 22 countries. Since its launch in 2017, UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund has provided life-saving assistance to over 8.9 million people in 31 countries, demonstrating the powerful impact of Islamic giving in humanitarian response.

The Refugee Zakat Fund is now endorsed by 17 Islamic institutions worldwide.

UK campaign launch

As global aid funding uncertainty puts the lives of refugees at risk, UK for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has launched an urgent appeal to help raise urgent funds for the Refugee Zakat Fund in 2025.

Called Born Connected, the UK wide campaign aims to strengthen connections between Muslims in the UK and displaced families worldwide while raising vital funds to support refugees. It is supported by a striking portrait series spotlighting UK based Muslims who share why they give their Zakat to help refugees, and the impact they hope to make.

Two of the portrait subjects in the campaign have shared why they choose to support refugees through UNHCR’s work.

 Leyla, London:

“I give my Zakat because my parents came to the UK as asylum seekers, and I want to give back to protect refugees.”

 Sarah, Bradford:

“I give my Zakat because to help refugees through trauma will eventually lead to them helping themselves.”

 Zakat: A Growing Force in Humanitarian Aid 

UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund provides critical support in countries including Yemen, Somalia, Lebanon, Bangladesh and Iraq, ensuring displaced families have access to food, shelter, healthcare, and education. Refugees and internally displaced families in Syria and Sudan remain among the most vulnerable, and the Refugee Zakat Fund will continue to expand its efforts to meet their growing needs.

Zakat donations through UNHCR have grown significantly, demonstrating a shift in how faith-based giving is shaping humanitarian aid.

 Khaled Khalifa, UNHCR Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, said:

“We are deeply grateful to all those who have placed their trust in the Refugee Zakat Fund, including our valued donors and partners. Their generosity and collaboration have enabled us to expand the Impact of our efforts, providing life-saving support to millions of displaced families.

“Muslim communities across the UK have been a shining example of compassion and solidarity. Through your Zakat and donation, we send a powerful message to refugees and displaced families: no matter the distance, they are not alone.”

Emma Cherniavsky, Chief Executive Officer at UK for UNHCR, said:

“For refugees who have lost everything, Zakat is a lifeline and an essential contributor to global humanitarian relief efforts. We are hugely grateful to the many supporters across the UK who choose to stand with refugees in this way and ensure they are not forgotten.”

To learn more about the impact of Zakat for refugees visit https://unrefugees.org.uk/give-zakat/

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• High-res donor images and donor quotes available here.

• The My Zakat portrait series is part of UK for UNHCR’s Born Connected campaign, helping raise vital aid to help refugees and displaces families around the world.

• Endorsed by 17 Islamic Institutions globally, UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund ensures that 100% of Zakat donations are delivered directly to families in need.

• For more information and to access the full 2024 Islamic Philanthropy Annual Report, please visit: https://zakat.unhcr.org/annualreport/annual-2024/

About UK for UNHCR

UK for UNHCR is the UN Refugee Agency’s national partner for the UK, building solidarity, fostering partnerships and raising funds in the UK to help deliver global humanitarian relief for refugees through UNHCR’s work. unrefugees.org.uk

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. It delivers life-saving assistance like shelter, food and water, helps safeguard fundamental human rights, and develops solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future. UNHCR also works to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality. www.unhcr.org

UK for UNHCR is a registered charity in England and Wales (registered charity number 1183415).